EXCLUSIVE: Patrick Fischer and Richard Kondal’s UK-based outfit, Big Safari Productions, and Hannah Leader and Amory Leader’s Big Book Media are launching what they’ve described as a “commercially-driven” film banner called Cobalt 27.
The group has said the company will be dedicated to developing, packaging, and fully financing a slate of “commercially driven, globally appealing films in the $10–50 million range.”
Cobalt 27’s first project is The Beauty of Sharks with director Peter Chelsom (Funny Bones), a thriller set in Amalfi, Italy, in 1958. Producers are Amory Leader, Chip Diggins, Lee Brazier, and Colin Vaines. Casting is through Susanne Scheel (Past Lives), with Indiana Productions partnering for the Italian shoot.
“In a time when great stories are too often stuck in development limbo, we’re excited to build something agile, well-capitalised, and truly collaborative,” Hannah and Amory Leader said in a statement. “We’re proud to join forces with Big Safari, whose commitment to creating commercial entertainment, adding value through meaningful partnerships, and moving quickly, aligns perfectly with our values.”
Hannah and Amory’s credits include Freud’s Last Session (2023), Gosford Park (2001), Lucky Number Slevin (2006), and the upcoming Christmas Karma. Kondal and Fischer are industry vets. Their holdings also include sales agent Architect, VFX house Koala FX as well as finance outfit Creativity Capital.
Fischer and Kondal added: “We’re thrilled to partner with Hannah and Amory on this next chapter for Big Safari. They are one of the few producers in the UK that can package and execute high-end projects for cinema and streaming platforms. We’ve worked together and been friends for a long time, so this is a natural next step.”
